By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

more financial aid

PM Trudeau announces more help for Canadian youth and seniors

Mar 29, 2020 | 10:28 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced more money to help Canadian children and seniors.

He says Kids Help Phone, which has experienced an increase in demand for its 24/7 confidential services, will be getting $7.5 million.

Kids Help Phone is reachable online, over the phone, or by text.

“We owe a big thanks to Canada’s young people who are staying home from school or from work because they know it will take all of us to plank the curve. This is an unprecedented time. Canadians are anxious about what is happening here at home and around the world,” said Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth.

“Young Canadians are concerned too, and for those youth who don’t have someone to talk to, they can turn to Kids Help Phone. Today’s investment of $7.5 million will ensure that there are counsellors and trained volunteers ready to answer their call. Physical distancing does not mean you are alone – help is a phone call away.”

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For older Canadians, Trudeau says the United Way will be getting $9 million for seniors’ services called New Horizons. He made the announcement at his daily briefing outside Rideau Cottage.

These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or personal outreach to assess the needs of individuals.

“While physical distancing is essential to protecting seniors from COVID-19, it risks isolating them from their community. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to work with United Way Canada to help support the needs of seniors during this difficult time,” said Minister of Seniors Deb Schulte.

“By using local expertise, this funding will help provide support tailored to the unique, local needs of seniors across the country. As we work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus, the government is supporting Canadians every step of the way.”

The prime minister also noted his government’s earlier announcement of $207 million which will some of the most vulnerable citizens.

$157.5 million of that funding will go towards the Reaching Home program which is directed to people experiencing homelessness. The other $50 million will go to women’s shelters and sexual assault support centres, including in Indigenous communities.

More information on how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is at Canada.ca and Alberta.ca/covid19.

(With file from The Canadian Press)